io DARWINISM AND RACE PROGRESS. 



Our Power to ensure our own Racial Progress. 



We may conclude, I venture to think, from these 

 examples in history, that a race may continue to 

 preserve its racial character for long periods of time 

 without deterioration, but it is suggested to us 

 that there are distinct dangers to be understood and 

 avoided. If, therefore, we ask ourselves, " Is our own 

 preservation as a race possible ? " the answer comes 

 to us that, guided by the historical knowledge we 

 possess, and with our better acquaintance with man 

 himself, and the laws of his growth and well-being, 

 we have an advantage over all who have gone before 

 us, so that, if misadventure should befall us, it will 

 be most assuredly because of our own indifference, 

 and because we wilfully shut our eyes to the light 

 of truth. 



It would be well once more to emphasise the 

 difference between what is meant by racial preser- 

 vation and the preservation of political organisation. 

 It would be quite possible for our empire to crumble 

 away from us. It is a political organisation depend- 

 ing upon ties of mutual advantage and sentiment, 

 and likewise upon the tolerance and weakness of 

 other nations. But we may lose our colonies, and 

 be stripped of our prestige, and yet remain, man for 

 man, as fine individually as when we gained them ; 

 for bones, muscle and brains are one thing, whilst 



